Chapter 471: 470. In Line with the Heavenly Master's Intent

Chapter 471: 470. In Line with the Heavenly Master's Intent



Youyin...

Master Bao Neng's expression remained calm, but his mind was filled with countless thoughts in an instant.

Youyin was one of the Ten Earthly Realms, rumored to have been occupied by a great demon in the past.

Although it was one of the Ten Earthly Realms, with abundant Heavenly Essence, it was also permeated by a dense and malicious demon aura.

According to rumors, it was always shrouded in darkness, just like the Ground Sea, never seeing the light of day.

Even if light were to penetrate, it would be devoured by the boundless darkness.

From the perspective of ordinary people, it was not a suitable place to live.

However, thousands of years ago, during the transition between the two Han dynasties, when the human realm was in chaos, a large number of cultivators entered Youyin and eventually expelled the great demon, taking its place and becoming the ruler of Youyin.

But after the Great Cataclysm at the end of the Han Dynasty, when the human realm was divided, Youyin, like the other Nine Heavens and Ten Earthly Realms, became separated from the human world.

The Thunder Sound Temple lineage, which had previously occupied Sappho, returned to the human realm and mainly operated in the Two Jin and Wudai Shiguo realms. There were no records of Youyin reappearing in these two human realms.

Master Bao Neng had only heard Venerable Puguang mention in his early years that Youyin had briefly appeared in another human realm, but it quickly disappeared.

It seemed to be the Great Song realm where the Lotus Division of the Vajra Realm of the Western Buddhist Sect was active.

The recent conflict between the Tang Dynasty Daoists and the Western Buddhist Sect was mainly centered around that human realm.

And now, Feng Wensu, who claimed to be from Youyin, had appeared in the Great Ming human realm.

Previously, there seemed to be no news of Youyin descending into the Great Ming realm.

As countless thoughts flashed through Master Bao Neng's mind, he clasped his palms together and said, "Layman Feng, I, Bao Neng, pay my respects."

Feng Wensu wore a black robe, but his complexion was not pale from lack of sunlight. He calmly returned the greeting, "I have met the Master."

His tone was concerned, "I wonder how Venerable Puguang is doing?"

Master Bao Neng's gaze swept across the face of Jatala, the leader of the Karmic Division of the Vajra Realm, "Since the Venerable left Sappho, he has been in deep meditation in the void outside the realm."

Feng Wensu spoke, "His Majesty of my dynasty has heard of the changes in Sappho and is deeply concerned. However, His Majesty's cultivation is at a critical juncture, and he cannot leave lightly. Therefore, he instructed me to bring some Buddhist treasures as gifts for Venerable Puguang and the eminent monks of Thunder Sound Temple. Now that I have successfully met the Master, I would like to ask the Master to bring these treasures back."

As he spoke, he took out a bag and handed it to Master Bao Neng.

It was a seed bag, a common item among Buddhist sects.

Master Bao Neng's mind was filled with various thoughts again, "I cannot accept such a reward without merit..."

Feng Wensu said, "These Buddhist treasures originally belonged to the Buddhist sect, and now they are just returning to their rightful owner."

On the side, Jatala, the leader of the Karmic Division of the Vajra Realm, stood silently with a calm expression.

Upon hearing Feng Wensu's words, Master Bao Neng did not open the seed bag to inspect its contents. He accepted the bag and clasped his hands together, "Regarding these Buddhist treasures, I dare not accept them lightly. I will only deliver them to the Venerable, and everything will be decided by the Venerable. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of His Majesty, but I wonder who is the ruler of Youyin at present?"

Feng Wensu smiled, "His Majesty of my dynasty has not yet entered the human realm and is referred to as the Emperor of Youyin, not the Emperor of Youyin."

Master Bao Neng nodded, "I, on behalf of my fellow disciples, thank His Majesty the Emperor of Youyin and Layman Feng. I wonder if His Majesty has any instructions?"

Feng Wensu shook his head, "Master, you are worrying too much. His Majesty only wishes to lend a helping hand to Venerable Puguang and the eminent monks of Thunder Sound Temple."

Master Bao Neng thanked Feng Wensu again.

Then he turned his gaze to Jatala, the leader of the Karmic Division of the Vajra Realm, who was standing beside Feng Wensu.

Jatala spoke slowly, "Our two sects have different paths, and there have been frequent disputes and fights in the past. However, in Summi and Sappho, we have both suffered great damage to our vitality and encountered a common powerful enemy. Perhaps it's time to put down our weapons?"

Master Bao Neng thought to himself that if it weren't for them initially stirring up trouble and breaking the concealment of the Great Jin's Mountain and River Map, it would have been difficult for the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion to find Sappho.

But after the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion joined forces with the Tang Dynasty imperial family, they became extremely aggressive, opening battlefields on both sides and conquering Summi and Sappho, which led to the downfall of both Buddhist sects.

However, with the situation as it was, Master Bao Neng had no intention of holding a grudge against them.

Compared to the Western Buddhist Sect's Vajra Realm, which had occupied Kongsang, the situation of the Thunder Sound Temple lineage was even worse.

The entanglements and grudges between the two Buddhist sects were not just a matter of one or two days.

Not to mention that they had previously worked together to accelerate the surge of Heavenly Essence in the Two Jin realms and the gift of the Blue Lotus Platform from the Wise Wisdom Venerable to Venerable Puguang.

When Venerable Puguang was forced to leave Sappho with the Thunder Sound Temple lineage, he also allowed Master Bao Neng to communicate with the leader of the Vajra Division, Vajra King Pimoshuo, to understand the details of the great battle and verify the information related to the Daoist sect.

"What you say is not wrong, we monks should let go of our attachments," Master Bao Neng replied calmly.

Looking at Jatala, Feng Wensu, and Cen Ruopu in front of him, Master Bao Neng had a guess in his mind.

Youyin might have the intention to descend into the Great Ming human realm and compete for dominance.

The Vajra Realm's Karmic Division was currently active in the northern frontier of the Great Ming Dynasty and had reached an understanding with Youyin.

Master Bao Neng and some of the Thunder Sound Temple monks were active in the southern frontier.

Youyin was acting as a mediator, seeking support from both sides.

Cen Ruopu, representing Zhou Tian Daoist, had also reached some understanding with Feng Wensu, as evidenced by their initial exchange of greetings.

Feng Wensu spoke softly, "Masters, I have a question for you. I heard that the two Venerables joined forces to set up a plan, causing a surge of Heavenly Essence in one of the human realms. I wonder... what is the current situation?"

Master Bao Neng and Jatala exchanged a glance, and then Master Bao Neng spoke directly, "According to the Venerable's judgment, since the human realm was divided at the end of the Han Dynasty, several human realms have already begun to experience a surge of Heavenly Essence. If there are no other major unexpected events, the human realm will reunite within the next decade or two."

Jatala also nodded in agreement with Zen Master Bao Neng's view.

Layman Feng immediately said, "So that's how it is. The two Venerables truly possess immense spiritual powers."

He continued, "I hope we can maintain regular correspondence in the future. With the ever-changing situation, sharing information will be beneficial for assessing the circumstances."

Zen Master Bao Neng replied, "Layman Feng's words are most kind."

The four of them did not chat for too long. Having gained much from their encounter today, they did not feel the need to delve deeper into their ideas immediately, nor did they feel rushed to do so while everyone was present.

So, they gradually dispersed.

Cen Ruopu listened more and spoke less.

Although he was unaware of the specific situation of his mentor, Zhou Tian Daoist, who was currently in a state of suspended animation in the void, communication was inconvenient.

Cen Ruopu could only burn incense and pray to the heavens, sending the relevant news to Zhou Tian Daoist.

As for when Zhou Tian Daoist would respond, it was not up to Cen Ruopu to decide.

Previously, when Kongsang, Sumeru, and Sappho were at war, Cen Ruopu had already sent a message to Zhou Tian Daoist in the void beyond the realms at the first opportunity.

Unfortunately, his master had not responded until now, and Cen Ruopu could only sigh helplessly.

Layman Feng, on the other hand, was relatively relaxed as he returned to the inland and arrived in the territory of the Great Ming Dynasty.

He moved quietly and arrived near Xuzhou.

Layman Feng had another appointment here.

Silently, a white-robed monk appeared.

The monk had a solemn appearance, but his face was filled with sorrow.

After seeing the other party, Layman Feng calmly greeted him, "Future Maitreya, Layman Feng pays his respects."

The person who came was the future Saint of the White Lotus Sect, but it was not Maitreya Huiyin of the Tang Dynasty.

Instead, it was the future Maitreya of the White Lotus Sect in the Great Ming Dynasty, with the Dharma name Tian Shu.

As the second-in-command of the White Lotus Sect, second only to the contemporary Saint of the White Lotus Sect in the Great Ming Dynasty, at this critical moment when the war was extremely intense, Tian Shu temporarily detached himself from the battlefield and came to this secret meeting, certainly not intending to return empty-handed.

Layman Feng took out another Buddhist seed bag and handed it to the other party, "Please convey my greetings to your master, the Saint of the White Lotus Sect, on behalf of Layman Feng."

Tian Shu silently accepted it and then pressed his palms together, "Thank you, Layman."

"Future Maitreya, there's no need for such formality," Layman Feng smiled, "Your sect's uprising against the Ming Dynasty's unjust ways is admirable and commendable. I merely did my part to help."

Tian Shu said, "The war is urgent, so I cannot stay for long. In the future, when there is time, we can discuss further."

Layman Feng replied, "Of course, of course."

After saying this, he bid farewell and left.

However, Tian Shu did not leave his original spot.

After waiting for a moment, he took a step forward and headed in the direction Layman Feng had left.

But he was not tracking Layman Feng.

Tian Shu secretly transmitted a message, "Has Master Huiyin arrived? Please come out to meet him. That person is a Martial Sage, who can travel a thousand miles in an instant. Even with your vast spiritual powers, it's still difficult to catch up with him."

Another white lotus blossomed in mid-air, and from within it emerged a young monk with a solemn appearance and white robes—none other than Maitreya Huiyin of the Tang Dynasty.

At this moment, the two future Maitreyas from different realms faced each other.

Huiyin pressed his palms together, "I couldn't hide it from Master Tian Shu's discerning eyes."

Tian Shu said, "Monks do not lie. Your Buddhist cultivation is profound, and I did not actually discover your whereabouts. I merely guessed that you might come to investigate after I met with Layman Feng."

Huiyin nodded, "Master Tian Shu's words are not far from the truth. Although we have the ability to walk on lotus steps, it's still strenuous to forcefully pursue a Martial Sage of similar cultivation."

Tian Shu said, "Master Huiyin's words are insightful. However, given the current situation, our sect requires more support to succeed in opposing the Ming Dynasty."

Huiyin sighed lightly, "This Layman Feng has an unclear background and seems to have many secrets. Master Tian Shu, you must be cautious."

Tian Shu replied, "I understand your good intentions, Master Huiyin."

Before Huiyin could speak further, Tian Shu interjected, "Since you came to the Great Ming Dynasty, you have not only subdued many demons but also lent a hand to our sect. Although you don't want to publicize it, our sect is always grateful for this favor.

However, the exploitation under the Ming Dynasty's rule is becoming increasingly severe, and the corrupt scholars are pushing aggressively. Since our sect has already risen up, we must do our best. There's no need for further persuasion."

"Take care, Master Tian Shu," Huiyin said calmly, bowing with folded hands before turning and leaving without further words.

However, Tian Shu did not feel the joy of convincing the other party. Instead, he felt apprehensive.

Huiyin did not act as he had in the Tang Dynasty realm.

It was not because he was from the Tang Dynasty's White Lotus Sect while the other was from the Great Ming Dynasty's branch.

Rather, Huiyin intended to explore this realm further before making a decision.

Different realms have different people and matters, and one cannot generalize them.

............................................................

At this moment in Kongsang, the heavens and earth gradually transformed.

A faint golden light began to circulate in all directions, and Buddhist spiritual energy increased.

Venerable Wise Wisdom remained seated in the center.

The leader of the Vajra Realm, Vajra King Pimoshuo, came to see him, "Venerable."

Venerable Wise Wisdom opened his eyes.

Vajra King Pimoshuo presented a sutra, "There's news from the Great Ming Dynasty realm."

Venerable Wise Wisdom took it and glanced at it, nodding slightly, "It seems to be progressing smoothly."

Vajra King Pimoshuo asked in a low voice, "Venerable, who is the Emperor of the Netherworld?"

"I don't know the details yet," Venerable Wise Wisdom replied, "Before the great calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty, the Netherworld had already become quite secluded and mysterious."

Vajra King Pimoshuo said, "It seems they intend to establish themselves in the Great Ming Dynasty realm and replace the Ming Dynasty."

After a brief pause, he continued, "The news from the Great Ming Dynasty realm indicates that the Netherworld is possibly related to the uprising of the White Lotus Sect in the Great Ming Dynasty, and they may be secretly funding them."

Venerable Wise Wisdom said, "It's not a major issue. We can let it be for now."

Vajra King Pimoshuo understood, "Yes, Venerable."

Venerable Wise Wisdom looked at the sutra in his hand, "Zhou Tian True Monarch is currently in a state similar to the Golden Khan's suspended animation in the void, and as for Puguang..."

He shook his head calmly, "The situation seems to be somewhat special."

Vajra King Pimoshuo was a bit surprised upon hearing this.

Wise Wisdom Venerable said, "Venerable Puguang is currently in deep slumber within the void beyond the realm, which is most likely the truth. However, with his divine abilities, it would be much easier for his disciples in the mortal realm to awaken him compared to the Golden Khan or True Monarch Zhou."

"Even if he's in deep slumber beyond the realm, can he respond to messages from the mortal realm within a short period?"

Vajra King Pimoshuo was first surprised, then seemed to realize something.

He recalled the alms bowl that, according to rumors, Venerable Puguang had used to roll up Thunder Sound Temple and retreat from Sappho.

"In that case, things on the Thunder Sound Temple's side will be much easier," Vajra King Pimoshuo said slowly.

Wise Wisdom Venerable nodded.

He asked about another matter, "Is there any news of the Pi Xiao demon sage in the Great Ming realm?"

Vajra King Pimoshuo replied, "There's no concrete news yet."

Initially, when the Vajra Realm of Mount Summi flourished, apart from the teachings of Wise Wisdom Venerable, suppressing a Pi Xiao demon sage at the foot of Mount Summi was also one of the important reasons.

This Pi Xiao demon sage was named Kong, and he had escaped from Mount Summi when it collapsed.

According to Wise Wisdom Venerable's judgment, due to his extraordinary natural talents, which were vastly different from ordinary beings, there was a slight possibility that he could conceal his presence and hide in the mortal realm.

Wise Wisdom Venerable vaguely felt that the most likely place for him to be was in the Great Ming realm.

However, they currently lacked further clues and couldn't pinpoint his exact whereabouts.

Now that Mount Summi had changed hands, Kongsang had taken over, and everything had to start anew. With the unfavorable situation in the Western Regions' Buddhist realm, Wise Wisdom Venerable and Vajra King Pimoshuo, along with other Buddhist monks, became even more vigilant towards this demon who had escaped in the past.

...

At this moment, in the Great Ming realm.

On the frontline of suppressing the White Lotus Sect rebellion in Xuzhou, countless Ming Dynasty soldiers were engaged in constant fierce battles with the White Lotus Sect.

Luo Hai's cultivation was already quite high.

But he was reaching his limit.

He was already approaching the transparent ceiling of the Great Ming realm's warriors.

As time passed, the reforms of the Grand Secretary gradually took shape.

The Great Ming no longer needed martial experts from the Upper Three Heavens.

They only needed as many warriors from the Middle and Lower Three Heavens as possible.

The officials at court needed fuel, not helpers, to keep the fire burning.

"It's time to leave here and find another way," a calm, almost cold voice echoed in Luo Hai's mind.

He exhaled deeply, "Yes."

It was time for General Luo of the Great Ming to "die for the country on the battlefield."

But...

Should this world always be like this?

"You can consider this question again after you become an immortal warrior," the Pi Xiao demon sage said coldly.

Luo Hai replied, "As you say, Senior."

The Great Ming court was currently distracted by the heart-wrenching alliance between the northern barbarians and the Karmic Division of the Vajra Realm.

The pressure on the White Lotus Sect rebellion had slightly eased.

To make up for this, the Ming court urged Buddhist sacred sites like the Great Ming Bodhi Temple to invest more effort and participate in suppressing the rebellion.

On the frontlines of the battle, Guangshu, the abbot of the Great Ming Bodhi Temple, had just fought a fierce battle with the White Lotus Supreme Monarch of the Great Ming.

Amidst the chaotic battle, he found a brief opportunity to meet another monk.

It was Master Baoneng of Thunder Sound Temple, who had just returned to the mainland from the deep ocean.

"In the current situation, I can't lend a helping hand to my fellow cultivator. Please forgive me," Master Baoneng apologized.

Abbot Guangshu didn't mind, "My fellow cultivator, your words are too heavy. Having you pass on the sutra of the Venerable is already a great help to our sect.

The Ming court is suspicious, and if you and your group act openly, it will only arouse their suspicions."

Master Baoneng nodded lightly, "Thank you for your reminder, fellow cultivator."

After bidding farewell to Abbot Guangshu, he headed south, quietly returning to the southern part of the Great Ming realm.

This former abbot of Minor Western Heaven in Southern Jin had ventured alone into the southernmost part of the Great Ming realm, the Southern Wilderness.

There, he encountered a colossal creature.

It resembled an ape, but had four ears, and wherever it went, floods and disasters followed.

This great demon, named Chang You, was equivalent to a Ninth Heaven expert among humans and was a rare ancient aberration in this era.

It cautiously observed Master Baoneng.

Master Baoneng remained calm and opened his palm, revealing a strange spiritual fruit that flew out—a treasure that had been preserved for many years at Thunder Sound Temple using secret methods and was hard to find in the mortal realm.

Chang You carefully took it and studied it for a moment before a somewhat human-like smile appeared on his face.

Zen Master Bao Neng did not rush, patiently waiting.

After Chang You collected the spiritual fruit, he suddenly spoke, "You cannot stay in this mortal realm."

Zen Master Bao Neng replied, "We will certainly keep our promise."

Chang You then opened his mouth again, and a strange-looking crystal flew out, landing in front of Zen Master Bao Neng.

It was a peculiar crystal, completely round, emitting golden light like the sun, yet the crystal itself was black.

From a distance, it looked like a solar eclipse.

After spitting out this object, Chang You left with the spiritual fruit.

Zen Master Bao Neng put away the strange crystal and hurried to the next location without stopping.

Duoming, the previous master of the Western Paradise in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, who was also from Thunder Sound Temple, was waiting for him.

"Senior Brother, you've waited a long time," Zen Master Bao Neng said, bowing in greeting.

Master Duoming returned the greeting, "You've worked hard, Senior Brother."

They had already informed Venerable Puguang, so there was no need for further words. Zen Master Bao Neng immediately handed over the strange crystal to his fellow master.

Master Duoming then left the Great Ming mortal realm.

In the Southern Wilderness, the void portal connecting the Great Ming mortal realm and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm had already been opened.

Master Duoming returned to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm, and the person he was about to meet was none other than his old rival, Wu Zhen Jia Xianting, one of the Ten Sorcerers of Spirit Mountain.

Jia Xianting, who had been keeping a low profile in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm recently, showed no surprise upon seeing him, "Have you found that Chang You?"

Master Duoming took out the black crystal that emitted golden light and handed it to Jia Xianting.

Jia Xianting's eyes lit up as he took the crystal, "Good, it's indeed the Hoayang Dark Crystal!"

"With the delivery complete, I'll take my leave so that the layman can act freely," Master Duoming said, bidding farewell.

Jia Xianting watched as his fellow master disappeared, then left for the sacrificial site he had prepared earlier and began the Spirit Sect sacrifice.

As time passed, the heavens and earth changed, and the weather turned stormy.

The black Hoayang Dark Crystal rose into the sky, its golden light becoming more intense until it turned entirely golden, like a second rising sun.

Then, the light suddenly dimmed.

In the instant all the light disappeared, it seemed as if a pitch-black hole had opened in the heavens and earth.

The next moment, the hole began to twist and change, and the scene within was extraordinary, as if time and space were flowing.

Finally, a portal gradually formed.

A void portal connected the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm to another realm.

From it, a vast amount of spiritual energy flowed out, light and ethereal, brimming with vitality.

Jia Xianting did not linger and moved away from the area.

Behind him, through the void portal, he could hear the clear, deep, and sharp roars and chirps of beasts and birds.

That place was... Canghuan, one of the Nine Heavens.

He already had some information about it.

The reason he had kept it hidden was to avoid unnecessary complications and the emergence of entities beyond his plans.

But now, after the great changes in Sappho, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm was also being affected. With the arrival of the Buddhist and Taoist sects, the situation within Spirit Mountain was becoming delicate.

Under these circumstances, Jia Xianting was ready to take the initiative and make a change.

As for the monks from Thunder Sound Temple, including Master Duoming, they had already been forced to leave the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm, and they didn't care about the ripples caused by the stone falling into the water.

With Canghuan's appearance, amidst the chaos, a confrontation with the Ninth Heaven was inevitable. The next move would determine the outcome... Jia Xianting's gaze was calm, unperturbed.

...

Later, Lei Jun, who was in the Yellow Springs, gradually completed the re-smelting and restoration of the Taiping Eight Scenic Views Treasure Cape with the help of the Time Blade Essence.

With the support of the Time Blade Essence, the required time was greatly reduced.

Lei Jun then received the Nine Heavens Immortal Capital Treasure Scroll.

However, he subsequently received three messages from different sources:

Sun Li notified Yuan Mo Bai.

Zhou Mu communicated through the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book.

Mu Chunyang also contacted Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion.

All three messages pointed to the same thing:

Canghuan, one of the Nine Heavens, had descended into the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm.

"Canghuan? Wasn't there any news of it communicating with any mortal realm before?" Xu Yanzhen, who was also in the Yellow Springs, asked casually.

Lei Jun replied while reading the messages, "According to the information, it seems to be correct."

Canghuan, one of the Nine Heavens.

Rumor has it that neither Zhonggui Xu and the early Kongsang were controlled by human cultivators.

But the difference lies in the fact that both Zhonggui Xu and the early Kongsang were occupied by great demons.

Including the later occupation of Kongsang by the shamans and the subsequent occupation of Luo Yuan by the great demons, the main characters in these events were all demon cultivators who practiced demon qi and malicious aura.

As for Canghuan, it was rumored to be occupied by numerous powerful spiritual beasts that cultivated heavenly essence.

Compared to demons that feed on human blood, flesh, and souls, spiritual beasts are naturally much more stable in temperament, but that doesn't mean they are easy to deal with.

Human cultivators, on the other hand, cultivate heavenly essence, and there has never been a lack of fighting and conflict among them.

"It's as you wished," Xu Yanzhen said.

Lei Jun nodded in agreement, "Indeed, a pleasant surprise."

He was currently cultivating Qingling Nine Qi, and in addition to the Nine-Colored Radiance, he had also borrowed the Yin-Yang Immortal Body to cultivate another layer of mystery.

Lei Jun already had an idea, focusing on the life and death bond, similar to the Dark Dust of Mystery and the Nine Heavens Mind Thunder, which originated from the heavenly void and ended in the heavenly void, also relying on the assistance of one of the Nine Heavens and one of the Ten Earthly Realms.

During his previous trip to Luo Yuan to meet Master Wang Guiyuan, Lei Jun had already prepared what was needed for one of the Ten Earthly Realms.

What was missing was an appropriate choice for one of the Nine Heavens.

Ideally, it should correspond to the Nine-Colored Radiance and be full of vitality.

Whether it was the ancient records or the descriptions of Mu Chunyang and Zhou Mu, Canghuan was a very suitable target.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end